Floyd Mayweather: centre of attention again

BOXING LEGEND Floyd Mayweather Jr was the centre of attention once again when he was subject to a tribute evening in London on February 4.

The unbeaten boxer was present at the Hilton Hotel in London’s Park Lane as boxing fans paid homage to his glittering career. Mayweather’s European Victory tour comes after the American, 38, won twelve world titles in a 49-fight career.

Mayweather told the Voice of Sport of his love for British fight fans. “I’m so appreciative of the support from British fight fans during my career.”

The controversial pugilist has recently retired but has already been offered nine-figure sums to make a ring return. He added: “A ring return is not my focus. I’m trying to do my job on the outside as a boxing promoter. I want to give back to young fighters and the ultimate goal is to find the next Floyd Mayweather.”

One contender to be the ‘next Floyd Mayweather’ is British boxer Ashley Theopane who is now promoted by the icon.
Theopane challenges Adrien Broner for the WBA world super-lightweight champion in March or April, and Mayweather rates his man highly.

“Ashley Theopoane is unbelievable,” said Mayweather. “It would be great for him to come to the States win a world title and bring it back to the United Kingdom.

“I’m very pleased with Ashley. He’s got what it takes to be world champion. He gave me tough sparring during my own career. He came to America with nothing more than some luggage and a dream. I take my hat off to him.”

Of his own stellar career, Mayweather was keen to praise his family. “I give thanks not only to my father and uncle Roger but also my nephew and sisters who were there for me right from the start."

Mayweather began his stellar career with a win over Roberto Apodaca in 1996. In May 2015 he beat arch rival Manny Pacquiao in the ‘Fight of the Century’.

Mayweather’s last bout was in September when he beat Andre Berto at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

No one could solve the Mayweather puzzle during nearly 50 bouts to make him arguably the best boxer ever.

Among the star names in attendance on the night were former Liverpool footballer Emile Heskey, former cruiserweight world champion Johnny Nelson and Chris Eubank with his son Chris Jr. and Ashley Theopane and comedian and EastEnders star Richard Blackwood.GOOD TO TALK: The American boxer being interviewed with Ashley Theopane in the background, right

Posted on: 05/02/2016 02:46 PM

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